William T. Matlock, Sr., (Bill)
November 21, 2021
William T. Matlock, Sr., (Bill) age 75 of Flomaton AL went to be home with Our Lord Jesus on
November 11, 2021. He was of the Pentecostal faith.
Bill was born in Tennessee on October 2, 1946 to Walter and Lillian Matlock. As a young man
he joined the Coast Guard and was stationed on the Farallon Islands. He eventually settled in
Flomaton Alabama where he raised his family. Bill was a skilled mechanic and a truck driver
until retiring from Air Products in 1995. He was a loving father, grandfather and friend who
loved Alabama football (ROLL TIDE!) He spent his time working in his garage and helping to
care for his grandchildren, often entertaining them with stories from his trucking and Coast
Guard days. He also enjoyed discussing politics over coffee with the guys.
Bill is survived by his wife Dianne Boswell Matlock, stepdaughter Stevie Boswell and her
fiance’ Greg Vasquez. His sons Tom and Emily Matlock (Maryland), Matthew and Laurie
Matlock (Kansas), John and Alicia Matlock (Florida). Former daughters in law Beth Matlock
(Nevada) and Samantha Matlock Oates (Alabama). Grandchildren Michael and Denise
Matlock (Nevada), Jennifer and Nadab Bent (North Carolina), David Matlock (Kansas),
Phoenix Matlock (Alabama), Grant Matlock and Evin Matlock (Florida) and Marco Matlock
(Maryland).Great grandchildren Jacob Matlock and Elizabeth Matlock (Nevada). Special
family friends Danny Ray and Melissa Lambeth, “Peewee”, Michelle, Trayton and Bella
Boutwell, Michael, Amber, and Ana Cox , many family members from the Shelby County
Alabama area and many other friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Judy Mills Matlock, son Richard Matlock,
daughter in law Lorie Shivers Matlock, sister Aldena Milner and his parents Walter and Lillian
Matlock.
No formal memorial is planned at the request of the deceased.
The family would like to thank Dr. Videau and the MICU nurses at Baptist hospital.
2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Shamim Gayle Powel
November 21, 2021
Shamim Gayle Powell, age 50, was born and raised in Pensacola, FL on January 30, 1971. She passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 12, 2021.
Shamim was fortunate enough to meet the love of her life and was married to Dwayne Powell on February 25, 1989. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and Mimi. A lover of the sun, sand, and ocean.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Elizabeth Workman.
Shamim is survived by her soulmate and husband, Dwayne Powell; her “one and only” son, Cecil Powell; her “joy in life” grandson, Chandler Powell; her father, Roger (Laura) Workman, her twin brother, Shannon (Tawana) Workman; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Trahan Family Funeral Home will oversee her cremation.
Keeping to her love of the sand and water, Shamim will be laid to rest at Bayview Memorial Park. Inurnment to take place at a later date. No services will be held.
Fire Destroys Cantonment Home; Occupants Escape Uninjured With Pets
November 20, 2021
There were no injuries when fire destroyed a large two-year old brick home in Cantonment Friday night.
The 3,500 square foot structure was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived just after 8 p.m. in the 400 block of Broadleaf Circle, off Highway 297A near Kingfield Road.
Two people were at home at the time of the fire, but they were able to escape with their pets, according to Escambia County.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Cantonment, Ensley, Beulah, Bellview, Brent, Ferry Pass, and Osceola stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were dispatched to the fire, along with fire units from Santa Rosa County, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
For additional photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview Falls To Baker 46-35 In Regional Semifinal
November 20, 2021
The Northview Chiefs football season came to an end with a tough 46-35 loss to defending station champion Baker Friday night in the Class 1A regional semifinals.
When they met during the regular season, the Gators won the 42-41 overtime thriller. Northview fans turned out in full force Friday night at Baker, cheering on their Chiefs as they fought hard to the very end.
For a game action photo gallery, click here.
For a photo gallery with the band, fans and cheerleaders, click here.
“It was just a fight for four quarters,” Northview head football coach Wes Summerford said. “I thought our kids played hard. There was several times that they could have gave it up, and we fought to get back in it to the end.”
Kayleb Wagner — the Gator standout that broke Derrick Henry’s Florida high school football single-game rushing record earlier this season– gave Baker an early 7-0 lead over Northview on an 88-yard touchdown run.
Northview’s Wyatt Scruggs intercepted a Gator pass on their own five and ran it in to make it 7-7 after a good Brandon Ferguson kick with 3:10 remaining in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, junior quarterback Kaden Odom found a wide open Luke Bridges, and he was in from 20 yards out to give the Chiefs a 14-7 lead with 11:44 remaining in the half. Baker answered with a 49-yard touchdown run with 9:12 in the half for a 14-14 tie.
The Chiefs regained the lead at 24-14 as Odom fought his way into the endzone on a short quarterback keeper with 5:54 remaining in the second quarter. Baker made it 21-20 with under a minute to go in the half and on their way to a playoff win.
“These guys fought hard. I thought we had some opportunities in the ballgame just to get it back even or maybe even stay on top,” Summerford said. “You’ve got to tip your hats to Baker. They are well coached, and good luck to the next round.”
The Baker Gators will host Chipley next Friday night. The Northview Chiefs season ended at 6-5.
For a game action photo gallery, click here.
For a photo gallery with the band, fans and cheerleaders, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
USDA Announces $2.85 Million Loan For Beulah Academy Of Science Gym
November 20, 2021
The Beulah Academy of Science Middle School is currently building a gym with a $2.85 million USDA loan.
The 17,000 square foot ability will enable the students to have access to indoor health and wellness activities during extreme heat and poor weather conditions and will also add three additional classrooms for ag science, culinary arts and engineering classes.
While construction on the gym is already underway, the Beulah Academy of Science loan was one of five rural community infrastructure projects in Florida announced Friday by the USDA.
“The projects announced today are all aimed at improving the quality of life in Florida’s rural communities,” Acting USDA State Director Jason Brower said. “Through its grant and loan programs, USDA is making investments in rural Florida to help provide essential services for our residents.”
USDA is investing in projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The assistance will fund essential community services that will help keep rural America resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Nice For The Weekend
November 20, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. East wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph after midnight.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 30. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Thanksgiving Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Escambia Schools Name Principal, Assistant Principal Of Year
November 20, 2021
The Escambia County School District has name its principal and assistant principal of the year.
West Pensacola Elementary School Principal Christine Baker (pictured above) was named ECSD Principal of the Year. Because there is a large autistic student population at West Pensacola, Baker can often be found in autism classrooms, as well as teaching in general education classrooms, when substitutes are not available.
Pine Forest High School Assistant Principal Latasha Jordan was named ECSD Assistant Principal of the Year. Under her leadership, PFHS’s graduation rate has reached an all-time high of 87.6%. Although she would never take credit, her efforts in leading the curriculum efforts at PFHS have been unparalleled, according to the district.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friday Night High School Playoff Scores – Seasons End For Local Teams Except Pine Forest
November 20, 2021
Here is tonight’s North Escambia area high school football playoff schedule:
FLORIDA
1A Regional Semifinal
- Baker 46, Northvew 35 [Story, photos...]
5A Regional Semifinal
- Baker County 13, West Florida 10
6A Regional Semifinal
- Pine Forest 32, Riverside 12
- Pine Forest will host Mosley next Friday night
ALABAMA
AHSAA 3A Quarterfinals
- Montgomery Academy 28, T.R. Miller 0
AISA Class AA State Championship
- Autauga 52, Escambia Academy 35
Pictured: Northview’s Jamarkus Jefferson gains yardage against Baker Friday night in Baker. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Time Is Running Out To Donate In The Annual Peanut Butter Challenge
November 20, 2021
Time is running out to donate in the Peanut Butter Challenge in Escambia County help families in need, and along the way promote peanuts.
The Peanut Butter Challenge, UF/IFAS Extension’s annual jar collection for local food pantries, first launched in the Florida Panhandle in 2012. It has since launched statewide, giving counties the chance to compete for most jars of peanut butter donated. The challenge serves a way to feed hungry families ahead of the holidays and also promotes peanuts grown in Florida.
Unopened jars of peanut butter can be donated at the following locations through Wednesday, November 24:
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Escambia County Farm Bureau, 153 Highway 97, Molino
- Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 North W Street
- Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 North Ninth Avenue
- Gilmore Services, 31 East Fairfield Drive
- Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor
- Pensacola City Hall, 222 West Main Street,
- Holy Spirit Catholic, 10650 Gulf Beach Highway
- Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, 13360 Innerarity Point Road,
- Pensacola Beach Visitors Information, 7 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach
“We are always impressed and touched by the communities’ grassroots support for this program,” said Libbie Johnson, agricultural agent for UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County and co-organizer of the challenge since its inception. “The peanut industry is a great contributor to our state, but this event also shows how the nutritious food it produces can help our fellow community members who may be struggling.”
In addition to the community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have partnered with the project for years. These organizations are based in the northwest and northeast peanut-producing regions of the state and will again contribute to the totals distributed to food pantries in those regions.
In the 2020 Peanut Butter Challenge, the first year the event was conducted statewide, participating UF/IFAS Extension county offices received over 27,000 total pounds of peanut butter.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Was Allegedly Drunk While Firing Sawed-off Shotgun In Neighborhood
November 19, 2021
A Cantonment man was allegedly under the influence while firing a sawed-off shotgun in a local neighborhood.
Christopher Daniel Dailey, 30, was charged with use of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol and possession of a short barreled shotgun. He was released on a $5,500 bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrived to find Dailey standing on a neighbor’s porch on Well Line Road.
“I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person and slurred speech,” a deputy wrote in his report. Dailey told deputies he had consumed eight tall boy beers and two liquor drinks.
Dailey stated that he had discharged a shotgun at two aggressive pit bulls in his yard. A spent shell casing was found in the backyard.
Deputies located a Savage Arms Stevens Model 940E 12-gauge shotgun on Dailey’s refrigerator and an unspent shotgun shell on the kitchen counter, the report states. The barrel of the shotgun was 14.5 inches, less than the legal 18 inches.